Genzyme Case Study

Genzyme Case Study

Renagel

Renagel is a “good” product when comparing it to other treatments indicated for the control of serum phosphorus in patients with CKD on dialysis. Renagel has its strengths and weaknesses and those can be evaluated by comparison to other treatments available in the market (PhosLo, Forsenol and Renvela).

Strengths:

* Efficacy: At the time of its launch, Renagel was the first effective aluminum-free, calcium-free phosphate binder. Clinical trials have shown that Renagel effectively controlled levels of phosphorus in the blood with limited risk of hypercalcemia, as compared to other treatment available at that time (PhosLo).

* Clinical trials demonstrated that Renagel reduced cholesterol levels.

* High safety profile (compared to competitors): Side effects were minimal when compared to PhosLo, a treatment to the same indication and Renagel main competitor at the time of launch. In addition, PhosLo led to an increase in heart calcification.

* Cost: Renagel was covered by virtually all the PBMs in the country, usually in a very favorable tier that covered most of the cost. In addition, Renagel's price was lower than the price of a new competitor in the market (Forsenol).

* Reduced cost of healthcare: Patients using Renagel experienced fewer hospital visits, shorter stays, and lower healthcare expenses than patients using calcium-based phosphate binders (e.g. PhosLo).

* Product ingredients: Renagel did not contain lanthanum in large amounts, a key ingredient in Forsenol that the medical community was nervous about at that time.

Weaknesses:

* Patient convenience: Renagel is taken with each meal, swallowing multiple pills before eating. Forsenol was formulated as a chewable tablet that could be taken without water.

* Medication potency: Forsenol’s potency was higher than Renagel, enabling patients to take smaller doses.

* Cost: Genzyme priced Renagel at about $300 per month per...